Haven Update
As we move further into the year, The Haven continues its mission of providing safe housing, compassionate care, and life-building support for young mothers and their babies.
This past month our team provided 60 nights of safe care, serving three mothers and one baby through our residence and temporary housing support. Each of these nights represents more than simply a place to stay; they represent safety, stability, and the opportunity for a mother to prepare for a healthier future for herself and her child.
Our residents continue receiving consistent prenatal care, attending important medical appointments, and preparing for the arrival of their babies. This season has also included meaningful moments of celebration, including Valentine’s Day activities, maternity photos, and ultrasounds, allowing our moms to pause and celebrate the life growing within them.
Behind each statistic is a story of courage and growth. Whether studying for exams, preparing for motherhood, or simply gaining confidence, the progress taking place inside The Haven continues to remind us that stability and encouragement can truly change the trajectory of a young family’s future.
Lives in Progress
One of the most rewarding parts of The Haven’s work is witnessing the transformation that occurs when a young mother begins to experience stability and support.
This month brought several encouraging milestones for the women in our home.
One resident recently secured employment, taking an important step toward financial independence and long-term stability for her growing family. Another resident passed the Language Arts portion of her GED and continues preparing for the remaining sections. Staff have also been supporting another resident who has been diligently studying for her GED exams, offering encouragement and academic guidance along the way.
We have also witnessed encouraging personal growth. One resident who initially arrived feeling shy and uncertain has begun to flourish during her time at The Haven. With the stability and encouragement she has found here, her confidence has grown significantly. Recently she had the opportunity to shadow at a veterinary clinic as she explores the possibility of becoming a veterinary technician.
This month also included the joyful celebration of a first birthday for one of our Haven babies. The celebration included a special trip to the aquarium followed by a birthday gathering at the residence. Moments like these create meaningful memories while strengthening the bond between mother and child.
Staff have also noted encouraging growth in parenting confidence, as one mom continues developing a stronger attachment and connection with her one-year-old.
Every step forward reflects the steady progress happening in the lives of the mothers and babies we serve.
From Our Leadership
Dear Haven Family,
As we begin this new year, one of our priorities at The Haven is continuing to invest in the growth and development of our team. We believe learning never stops, and that cultivating a culture of lifelong learners allows us to provide the very best care for the mothers and babies entrusted to us.
This month, Kristin Avery, LMSW, our Director of Social Services and Counseling, and I began working toward our Certifications in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International. This training helps us stay informed and equipped to better recognize and support the mental health needs that can arise during pregnancy and the postpartum season; a critical area of care for many of the young mothers we serve.
Later this month, we will also attend Circle of Security training, which focuses on helping caregivers understand the importance of healthy attachment between parents and their children. This training will further equip us as we guide our moms in building strong, secure relationships with their babies from the very beginning.
In addition, as a Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) practitioner, I have begun leading refresher training for our entire staff. This allows us to revisit the principles that shaped our program while also introducing newer team members to this important framework. TBRI helps caregivers understand the effects of trauma and respond in ways that build trust, connection, and healing.
At The Haven, we are committed to operating as a trauma-informed home, and TBRI continues to serve as an important part of our program model. Through ongoing learning and training, we seek to ensure that every mother who walks through our doors experiences not only safety and stability, but also compassion, understanding, and hope.
Because of your support, our team is able to pursue the training and resources necessary to provide this level of care for the families we serve.
With gratitude,
Leah Manning
Executive Director
Community and Gratitude
The Haven continues to be strengthened by the generosity of our community partners, volunteers, and supporters.
This month we are especially grateful for several meaningful acts of kindness that reminded our residents they are surrounded by a caring community.
Students from Hebron Christian Academy’s first-grade classrooms collected and donated personal care items for our residents and babies. Their thoughtful generosity beautifully demonstrated that even the youngest members of our community can make a meaningful difference.
We were also blessed by a visit from Hebron Women’s Steadfast Ministry, who shared a meal, brought cake, and spent time encouraging our residents. The moms expressed how meaningful it was to connect with women from the community who genuinely care about them and their journeys.
In addition, Union Grove Church hosted two baby showers for our residents, helping prepare them for the arrival of their babies while surrounding them with encouragement, celebration, and support.
We are also incredibly grateful to everyone who participated in our March Mamas Gift Card Drive. Thanks to your generosity, over 30 gift cards exceeding $700 were collected to help support our residents during this important season of preparing for motherhood.
These gift cards helped us build gift card trees that celebrate our residents’ birthdays and provide practical support as they prepare for their babies’ arrival.
Although the official campaign has concluded, we will continue accepting gift cards throughout the remainder of March as our moms celebrate birthdays and prepare for upcoming deliveries.
Gift cards may be mailed to: Lisa Fitz; The Haven House, P.O. Box 604, Dacula GA 30019 or a local pick-up can be arranged by emailing Lisa@thehaven.house to coordinate.
Every act of generosity reminds the families at The Haven that they are not walking this journey alone.
Ways to Support
Tee Off for Two – Save the Date!
Grab a friend, spouse, or coworker and join us for a fun evening that supports the moms and babies served at The Haven.
Thursday, April 30th
Topgolf Buford
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Consider gathering a few friends, coworkers, or members of your small group and enjoying a bay together for the evening.
More details and registration information will be coming soon; but for now, save the date!
Upcoming & Recent Events
Honoring The Haven at the Georgia State Capitol
We are honored to share that Representative Park Cannon has invited The Haven to the Georgia State Capitol on Wednesday, March 18, where a resolution will be presented during the Morning Order to recognize and celebrate the work of The Haven.
Following the presentation, a reception with refreshments will be held in honor of this ministry. Representative Cannon has also encouraged fellow representatives to wear The Haven’s colors that day in recognition of the mothers and babies we serve.
We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to raise awareness about the mission of The Haven and the importance of supporting young mothers and their children across our state.
We are also thankful for volunteers who will be serving on March 14, helping organize the clothes closet and merchandise inventory at the Hebron office. Additional volunteer opportunities are available as we continue caring for the residence property, including assistance with lawn maintenance.
If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about ways to serve, we would love to connect with you. Please visit Volunteer @ The Haven to begin.